(Ecofin Agency) - In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Manono hosts one of the world's largest lithium deposits. While legal disputes have slowed down the exploitation of this deposit, AJN Resources has begun exploration in the same region, hoping to identify another deposit.

AJN Resources, a Canada-based mining company, has started a reverse circulation (RC) drilling program on its Manono Northeast project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The firm announced the works to find lithium and tin on May 31, 2024. Hub Drilling Limited, a South African company, carries out the work.

According to Klaus Eckhof, CEO of AJN Resources, the RC drilling program will help the firm better understand the geological structures and potential mineralization at deeper levels within its license area. AJN Resources, he added is “looking forward to deepening its knowledge through further detailed drilling, sampling, and analysis.”

The Manono Northeast project is situated near the Manono deposit, estimated to contain at least 400 million tonnes of mineral resources containing 1.65% lithium. However, the Manono project is currently embroiled in a legal dispute, which has slowed down its exploitation. Being close to the Manono deposit, AJN Resources hopes to find a viable lithium deposit in the area.